Suspected terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the state government, Frontline Reporters has learnt.
Highly placed sources familiar with the development disclosed that the abductors declined to engage directly with the victims’ families, insisting instead on speaking only with Governor Seyi Makinde or officials acting on his behalf.
According to one of the sources, the kidnappers made it clear that negotiations would only proceed through the state government.
“They said they only want to speak with the governor and nobody else. That is the condition they gave for any negotiation. For now, nobody outside the government circle knows the exact details of their demands,” the source revealed.
It remains unclear whether Governor Makinde is personally involved in the negotiations or if representatives have been delegated to handle the discussions.
Another senior source described the opening of communication as a positive development amid growing anxiety over the fate of the victims.
“It is not as if the security agencies do not know what to do, but the risks involved are extremely high. The relief now is that at least communication has been established,” the source said.
Sources said the demands of the abductors were being handled discreetly to avoid jeopardising ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Fatai Owoseni, declined to comment on the negotiations.
“I cannot provide any information at the moment,” he said briefly.
Fear Grows Over Fate of Young Children
The abduction, which occurred last Friday, reportedly involved teachers and pupils, including toddlers aged between two and three years.
The victims have now spent more than a week in captivity, heightening fears among relatives and residents of the affected communities.
Community leaders and residents expressed concern that worsening weather conditions and the onset of the rainy season could further endanger the captives, especially the younger children, as they are reportedly being moved through forests and difficult terrains to evade security operatives.
A community leader who requested anonymity said residents remained completely in the dark regarding the whereabouts of the abducted victims.
“We are deeply worried about their safety. Some of the abducted children are barely two years old. Nobody knows how they are surviving in those conditions,” he lamented.
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Schools Deserted as Panic Spreads
Findings by Frontline Reporters revealed that the attack has triggered widespread panic across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, including Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and Dananu, leading to a sharp decline in school attendance.
Parents, fearful of further attacks, have reportedly kept their children at home, while many teachers have also become reluctant to report to duty.
A teacher at Ikose Primary School, who spoke anonymously, said most schools in the area had remained nearly empty since Monday.
She explained that tension escalated after students at Areago Grammar School reportedly mistook hunters in a nearby bush for terrorists, triggering chaos among pupils and residents.
According to her, the panic led to a tragic incident in which a pupil was knocked down by a vehicle while fleeing the scene. The boy reportedly died instantly, while his mother later died after receiving news of the tragedy.
“Since the Esinele attack, fear has completely taken over the area. Attendance in both public and private schools has dropped drastically. Many teachers now leave school before noon because of insecurity,” she said.
Another teacher in Tewure said several parents informed the school that their children would stay away indefinitely until security improved.
“You could hear the fear in their voices. Since Monday, attendance has continued to drop. Some classes now have fewer than 20 pupils,” she said.
Teachers also disclosed that many education workers are traumatised following reports that two teachers lost their lives during the incident.
While one teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was killed during the attack, another victim, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in captivity.
A teacher identified simply as Oyeyemi said the killings had left teachers terrified.
“We are traumatised. Some teachers are already considering abandoning postings to remote schools. When you hear that one colleague was killed and another beheaded, you understand why everyone is afraid,” she said.
Government Blames Fake News for Heightened Panic
Reacting to growing concerns, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, accused some social media users and bloggers of circulating misleading videos capable of worsening panic across the state.
He said the government remained committed to restoring calm and strengthening security around vulnerable communities and schools.
“Some of the videos circulating online are false and are only aggravating tension among residents. Naturally, parents become afraid whenever they see such content,” he stated.
The commissioner added that the government had continued to reassure residents while working closely with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims.
Emotional Burial for Slain Teacher
Meanwhile, emotions ran high on Friday as Joel Adesiyan, a 49-year-old teacher killed during the attack, was buried in Ogbomoso.
The funeral service held at Ayegun Baptist Church attracted government officials, members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, relatives, church members and sympathisers.
Representing Governor Makinde at the event, Permanent Secretary, Ogbomoso Zone I, Michael Ojelabi, conveyed the governor’s condolences and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue those still in captivity.
“The government is deeply saddened by this incident and is doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of all those abducted,” he said.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State, Raji Oladimeji, described the late teacher as dedicated, humble and committed to the teaching profession.
“The classrooms will miss his voice, the staff room will miss his presence, and the union will miss his courage,” he said.
Family Mourns Beheaded Teacher
The family of Michael Oyedokun, the teacher reportedly killed in captivity, described his death as devastating and irreplaceable.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ebeni Adediran said Oyedokun devoted over two decades of his life to teaching and was widely respected for his humility and peaceful nature.
According to the family spokesperson, one of the most painful aspects of the tragedy is that the deceased died childless despite being married for more than 10 years.
“He was a good man and his death is a huge loss to us. The painful part is that he left no child behind despite years of marriage,” Adediran said.
The family also appealed to Nigerians to stop circulating disturbing videos and images linked to the slain teacher, saying the repeated sharing of such content was worsening their grief and emotional trauma.
The tragic incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in rural communities and the growing risks faced by teachers and schoolchildren in isolated parts of the country.
